Boeing Posts First Profit in Over Three Years Amidst Operational Progress and Market Rebound
Boeing reported a net profit of $8.2 billion for the fourth quarter of 2025, marking its first profitable quarter in over three years. The company's revenue reached $23.9 billion, and it delivered 600 aircraft in 2025, nearly doubling the number from the previous year. These results come as Boeing continues to address production challenges and certification delays while navigating an increase in new aircraft orders.
Financial Performance
Q4 2025 Revenue and Profit Surge
For the fourth quarter of 2025, Boeing reported revenue of $23.9 billion, an increase of 57% compared to the same period in 2024. The company’s cash flow for the quarter was $400 million.
Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter were $9.92. This figure included the impact from the sale of its Jeppesen aircraft navigation unit, which was cited as a primary contributor to the reported net profit of $8.22 billion, or $10.23 per share. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Boeing reported a loss of $3.86 billion, or $5.46 per share.
Boeing reported a net profit of $8.22 billion, or $10.23 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2025, marking its first profitable quarter in over three years. This quarter marks the company's third profitable period since early 2019, a timeframe that included a 20-month grounding of its 737 MAX aircraft.
Segment Performance
Revenue from commercial airplanes totaled $11.38 billion, a nearly 140% increase from the fourth quarter of 2024. The defense unit also saw revenue rise by 37% from the fourth quarter of 2024, reaching $7.42 billion.
Operational Highlights
Increased Deliveries and Market Position
Boeing's total aircraft deliveries in 2025 reached 600 aircraft, nearly double the number from 2024 and the highest since 2018. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has eased previous production caps on the 737 MAX, which had been imposed due to safety concerns. Recently, Boeing surpassed rival Airbus in new aircraft orders for the first time since 2018.
CEO Kelly Ortberg stated that the company is making progress and is establishing momentum to restore its market position.
The company is actively working on delivering delayed aircraft, some of which require regulatory approval, and anticipates further production increases in the coming months.
Economic Context
Boeing operates as a significant entity within the United States economy, identified as the largest exporter. It is one of two primary global suppliers of full-size jets to the airline industries and functions as a key U.S. military contractor. The company maintains a network of 10,000 suppliers across 50 states, contributing an estimated $79 billion annually to the American economy and supporting approximately 1.6 million direct and indirect jobs.
Ongoing Challenges and Outlook
Despite recent financial improvements, Boeing faces several operational and external challenges:
- Past Difficulties: Previous financial setbacks included the 737 MAX grounding, which resulted in $47 billion in total core operating losses, and a slowdown in sales during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Safety Incidents: A door plug detachment incident on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX in early 2025 renewed scrutiny regarding manufacturing safety and led to federal restrictions on the pace of production.
- Delivery Lag: While new orders have increased, the company's delivery rate of completed aircraft has lagged behind competitors, which impacts financial recognition.
- Certification Delays: Approval from the FAA for two new 737 MAX versions and the 777X widebody jet is several years behind schedule.
- Labor Relations: Boeing faces a potential strike in the fall by the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) at its Washington state factories, which could disrupt production.
- Chinese Market Access: Orders from China have been minimal since 2017 due to trade tensions between the United States and China. Reports of potential large sales to China have not yet materialized.
Richard Aboulafia, managing director of AeroDynamic Advisory, stated that Boeing has made progress addressing internal operational issues. However, he noted that external factors, such as Chinese trade relations and new jet certifications, present ongoing uncertainties beyond the company's direct control.